The New York Bar Foundation

06/05/2026

"An antitrust scholarship from the New York State Bar Foundation enabled her to work at the Federal Trade Commission and stay in New York City..."

Congratulations Marcella!

As the new chair of the Young Lawyers Section, Marcella Jayne is ready to assist attorneys starting their careers. Jayne said that student debt is one of the biggest concerns for new attorneys. “It shapes our careers,” she said. “It drives our career decisions; it drives our family decisions.....

06/04/2026

"The rule of law does not enforce itself. It depends on us."

Those were the words of our President and Board Chair, the Hon. Cheryl E. Chambers, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, at last night's swearing-in of Taa Grays as President of the New York State Bar Association.

Justice Chambers reflected on the legal profession's long history of defending the rule of law, and on the work that lies ahead at a moment when the independence of our courts is under pressure.
That commitment guides the mission of The New York Bar Foundation: expanding access to justice, investing in the next generation of legal leaders, and defending the values our profession exists to protect.

Congratulations to President Taa Grays. We are honored to stand with her in this work.


New York State Bar Association

06/03/2026

https://nysba.org/catalyst-fellowship-marks-10-years-4-million-invested-in-public-service-lawyers/

The Catalyst Public Interest Fellowship Program, administered by The New York Bar Foundation, has reached its tenth year, having distributed more than $4 million to support law students entering public service. Since its inception, 511 students have participated in the program. This year, the progra...

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Taa Grays on ascending to the presidency of the New York State Bar Association!

Grays becomes both the tenth woman and the first African-American woman to hold this office in the association's 150-year history. Her term began on June 1.

"Taa Grays brings extraordinary dedication and vision to this role, reflecting the very qualities we celebrate in our Fellows," said Hon. Cheryl E. Chambers, President of The New York Bar Foundation. "I look forward to collaborating with her in the year ahead to advance access to justice, strengthen our profession, and uphold the rule of law."

Congratulations as well to Michelle Wildgrube, elected President-Elect. Both women are Fellows of The New York Bar Foundation, distinguished members of the bench and bar recognized for outstanding professional achievement and commitment to the rule of law. MetLife Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube, P.C. New York State Bar Association

05/21/2026

Judge Michael J. Garcia speaks to the students.

05/21/2026

Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals Rowan D. Wilson and Judge Madeline Singas with recipients of The New York Bar Foundation Catalyst Public Service Fellowship. Law students from across NYS attend Court of Appeals Day each year.

05/14/2026

The Foundation is proud to support this important program.
The NYSBA Mock Trial program celebrates its 44th year of competition this year. There are 400 teams involving 4,000 high school students in the competition.

Thank you to our donors for making it possible for The New York Bar Foundation to present grants throughout New York State.

Best of luck to all of the participating students and the schools!

For the first time in more than a decade, a team from Monroe County is on its way to the state tournament representing Region I, or Western New York, in the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trail tournament. Pittsford Mendon High School beat last year’s Region I champ Nichols to secure the ...

05/12/2026

Scholarship Deadline Approaching:

The Norman Effman Scholarship--Deadline: May 18, 2026

The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a second year or third year law student enrolled in a State of New York law school. Applicants should express an interest and intent to work in a rural locale representing indigent individuals who are litigants in Family court, criminal court, or other courts where the individual may be facing civil legal issues.

Application link:

05/11/2026

The Foundation stewards opportunities for law students and connects them to meaningful experiences. Through the Catalyst Public Service Fellowship Program, law students gain practical experience in the public sector.

Congratulations Catalyst Fellowship Recipient Madison Colleran @ Brooklyn Law School student.

Madison shared, "I am incredibly honored to receive the New York Bar Foundation Catalyst Public Service Fellowship. This summer, I will be working with the Family Defense Practice at Brooklyn Defender Services, where I look forward to advocating for parents and families navigating the child welfare system. I am grateful for the Foundation’s support of first-year students pursuing careers dedicated to public service and access to justice."

Visit www.tnybf.org for more information regarding The New York Bar Foundation.

05/07/2026

Congratulations Fellow of The New York Bar Foundation Connie O. Walker on receiving the Monroe County Bar Association Adolph J. Rodenbeck Award!

The Fellows of the New York Bar Foundation are distinguished members of the bench and bar recognized for outstanding professional achievement, dedication to the legal profession, and commitment to the Rule of Law.

Congratulations Connie and thank you for being a Fellow!